PLAYTIME
AT NORTHAMPTON ROYAL 2-17TH SEPT ‘22
Recently named amongst the top films of all time by the BFI. Jacques Tati‘s glorious Parisian comedy about confusion in an age of high technology was the artistic high point for his world- famous lovably old fashioned clown Monsieur Hulot.
For the first time, it will now be adapted into a vibrant stage production by the Royal & Derngate’s resident company Dancing Brick an award-winning international group of physical theatre makers celebrated for their comic and visual ingenuity with original songs by Grammy Award-winning composer Chilly Gonzales. Directed by Thomas Eccleshare, physical comedy direction John Nicholson.
Dolly Mixture - Nina Conti
Nina had collected together a new set of vent puppets. I interviewed them and wrote down the funny and profound material they came up with. Nina and I shaped this into a show which I directed. It sold out in Edinburgh before the run began and then transferred to the West End.
Out of my Head - Paul Merton
I have directed Paul twice – once in Out of My Head prior to the show going into the Vaudeville Theatre. Also in My Obsession which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014. Out of My Head included a series of sketches, drawing on experiences from Paul’s life.
This was a six part series of short stories for BBC Radio 4 which I co-created with Rik Mayall. It was produced by Steven Canny.
Partners in Crime
A musical theatre production of Agatha Christie’s classic, directed for Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, based on the original production by Sarah Punshon. Designed by Tom Rogers.
Shaun the Sheep - Live.
This was a stadium show which I directed (and co-wrote with Miranda Larson) for Aardman and Dan Colman Ltd. It opened in Cairo and toured Asia. It was based on an episode of the TV animation series called Save Our Tree.
HELP! GET ME OUT OF THIS MUSICAL
I wrote the book and lyrics and directed the original outing of this musical, commissioned by BYMT working alongside Alex Rudd (composer). It was re- created in 2019 under the direction of Luke Sheppard. It is available to license through BYMT and has written parts for 30 characters.
Dracula The Bloody Truth.
I directed and co-wrote this production for Le Navet Bete in 2017. It has regularly toured UK mid-scale theatres since (selling out the 1,300 seat Theatre Royal Plymouth). It is published by Nick Hern books and is regularly licensed world-wide. It has also been translated into French. Designed by Phil Eddolls. Composed by Peter Coyte
Aladdin.
A panto with a wry look at the world of panto. I co-wrote this production and then directed it in 2019 for the the 400 seat Athenaeum in Plymouth where it played to capacity houses over its extended month long run.
The Three Musketeers.
A comic adaptation of the best loved novel (for a cast of 4) which I co-wrote and directed. It has toured UK mid-scale theatres for 2 years and has had two runs at Bristol Old Vic (on account of strong box office). The play is published by Nick Hern books and has been licensed abroad. It was designed by Ti Green. Composed by Peter Coyte..
Treasure Island.
This is a comic adaptation I co-wrote and directed for Le Navet Bete. It is currently on a mid-scale tour of the UK including a 2 week run at Bristol Old Vic. The adaptation captures the heart of the novel and also introduces a few new characters. Designed by Fi Russell. Composed by Peter Coyte. The script has been published by Nick Hern Books.
A Christmas Carol.
This production which I directed and co-wrote has played two Christmas seasons - in Plymouth in 2019 and most recently to capacity houses at Exeter Northcott in 2021/2. Designed by Fi Russell. Composed by Peter Coyte
Dick Tracy.
Based on the famous comic strip creation, this was an entirely new story (with songs) which I co-wrote and then directed. It toured UK mid-scale venues in 2015. Designed by Phil Eddolls. Music composition by Peter Coyte.
I was drafted in as comedy consultant on this farce comedy production for Bath Theatre Royal, directed by Lindsay Posner.
The Light Princess.
I co-wrote (with Thomas Eccleshare) and directed this Tobacco Factory, Bristol Christmas show. Adapted from the wonderful fairy tale by George Macdonald, the show was designed by Phil Eddolls and had original songs and soundscapes composed by Verity Standen.
Coulrophobia.
Commissioned by Nordland Visual Theatre this production which I directed and co-wrote for Opposable Thumb Theatre has toured the UK and Europe to great acclaim and featured in the 2020 London international Mime Festival.
One Man Two Guvnors
I was physical comedy consultant on this major UK revival of Richard Bean’s hit adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s A Servant Of Two Masters. It was directed by Lotte Wakeham for Bolton Octagon where it opened in May ‘22, prior to a mid-scale tour. Designed by Colin Falconer.
